Libya's CDA Refuses Intervention With Draft Constitution

Arab World

May 7th, 9:14am

Cairo- Jamal Jawhar

Archive photo for some of the members of Libya's Constituent Assembly | Asharq Al-Awsat

Libya’s Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) defended its right granted by a popular mandate to introduce amendments to the draft constitution which was written around three years ago. The head of the Assembly, Aljilani Urhuma, said that presenting the draft drawn up on July 29, 2017 for a popular referendum, when the conditions permit so, will help settle the conflict in Libya. Urhuma said that the Assembly supports any peaceful solutions that end the conflict and supports security and stability in the country, but stressed the body’s neutrality and independence. Urhuma highlighting that the Assembly is an elected body put together to draft a permanent constitution for the country, in accordance with the provisions of the interim constitutional declaration. The Assembly was established six years ago, and it consists of 60 members who represent the three regions of Libya equally, and "do not belong to any authority in the country." Despite their claims of impartiality, Assembly members have been accused of lack of integrity and accepting bribes. The body, in turn, considered the accusations an insult to the Libyan people. Urhuma stressed that no party, whether local or foreign, is allowed to intervene with the right to hold a popular referendum, and that it is up to Libyans to decide on passing the constitutional draft or not. Urhuma praised the ruling issued by the Libyan Supreme Court on February 14, 2018, which binds all Libyan authorities and institutions into respecting the results of the work of the Assembly. Libyan National Army Spokesman Major General Ahmed Al-Mismari previously accused the Assembly of "lack of integrity and receiving a government bribe." This prompted the Assembly to file for investigation into Mismari’s statements by the Military Public Prosecutor. Mismari had claimed that the Assembly received 15 million Libyan dinars in support from the head of Government of National Accord Fayez al-Sarraj one month before the vote on the draft. Albadri Al-Sharif, a member of the constituent body, was surprised by these accusations, and told Asharq Al-Awsat at the time that the Assembly “enjoyed independence and did not belong to any authority in the country.”

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2271931/libyas-cda-refuses-intervention-draft-constitution